Bill would allow special needs students to use medical marijuana in California schools

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Heather Nelson and her son Matthew, 9, who suffers from epilepsy, look on during the Utah Patients Coalition news conference Monday, June 26, 2017, in Salt Lake City. A group of activists and Utah residents with chronic conditions has launched a ballot initiative to ask voters next year to pass a broad medical marijuana law. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

SACRAMENTO — California minors with special needs or severe disabilities who rely on marijuana for medical purposes would be allowed to use the drug at their school under legislation introduced this week by state Sen. Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo).

The measure would allow a parent or guardian to administer the drug in the form of oil, capsules, tinctures, liquids or topical creams on school campuses where the practice has been approved by the county board of education, Hill said.

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade are currently prohibited by law from taking medical cannabis on school campuses, so parents have to take their children off campus to administer the medicine.

“This legislation is about giving students access to the medicine they need so they have a better chance for success in the classroom and in the community,” Hill said.